How do I approach potential sponsors at trade shows like SEMA or PRI?

Don't walk into a booth and immediately ask for the marketing director to hand off a deck. Instead, research attendees beforehand on LinkedIn, know what they look like, and schedule meetings in advance. When meeting someone new, give a genuine compliment to disarm them and start a real conversation. Look around the booth first to understand their current initiatives, then ask about products you haven't seen before. Consider approaching during setup day before the show or teardown day after, when representatives are less busy. Bring business cards with a QR code linking to your sizzle reel rather than large bound decks that will get thrown away.